Cutting device with additional elements

ABSTRACT

A food cutter apparatus with a blade portion and a handle portion. The blade portion is comprised of a single rigid material. The handle portion can be comprised of the same rigid material as the blade portion or a separate rigid material. The handle portion of the food cutter apparatus is located on top of the blade portion. In one example, a grater, slicer, or other kitchen tool elements are provided integral to the blade portion. In other examples, kitchen tool elements are provided as removable elements that can be attached to a cavity in the blade portion.

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/504,526 filed on May 10, 2017 andentitled “Cutting Device With Additional Elements”, which is fullyincorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND Field of Invention

This invention relates to cutting devices commonly used in householdsand in commercial applications. More particularly, it relates to cuttingdevices used to cut food items like pizza, tortillas, quesadillas, pies,pastries, brownies & baked goods, caramels, meats, as well as cuttingand mincing herbs and vegetables.

Prior Art

Food cutting devices with large blade surfaces and handles located ontop of said blade surfaces are well known. These cutting devices areused in applications where a large blade surface is helpful to cutthrough sizable pieces of food such as meat, large vegetables, pizza,baked goods, etc. The large blade surface can also work as a scraper toscoop the food from a cutting surface into another receptacle. Exemplaryof the prior art is:

Watermolen et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,992 describes a pizza cutter with aconvex blade with two handles providing finger indentations.

Ghislain U.S. Pat. No. 4,959,905 describes a pizza cutting device with aconvexly curved blade with a handle extending the length of the blade.The food cutting device can be stored in a separate holder that receivesthe blade when not in use.

Spae U.S. Pat. No. 9,434,082 B2 describes a dual knife food cutterapparatus that is configurable into a cutting configuration and astorage configuration.

James U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,575 describes a pizza knife with convex bladewith an integral handle that extends the length of the blade. The bladeextends down one of the handle sides.

Cremonese U.S. Pat. No. 3,890,707 describes a kitchen knife with astraight edge in the back with an attached handle spanning a portion ofthe blade with an aperture below for fingers to wrap around. The bladebeing curved from the straight edge in the back to the point in thefront.

Santana U.S. Pat. No. 1,414,098 describes a cigar-maker's knife with aconvex blade and a rolled integral handle.

Donnelly U.S. Pat. No. 745,162 describes a combined cleaver and knifedevice. The cleaver being on one side and the knife being on the otherside of this device.

Busch US Patent Application 20150328761 A1 describes a unitary one piecemultiple purpose utility tool.

Cutler U.S. Pat. No. 8,201,300 B2 describes a cleaning implement with ahandle attached on top to remove liquid and solid food debris from dishsurfaces.

Hurtt U.S. Pat. No. 4,097,951 describes a hand tool with a handleintegrally attached on top and a bendable spreader blade used forremoving or redistributing liquids or other fluent materials.

Smilanich U.S. Pat. No. 7,472,484 B2 describes a universal outdoorsmantool with a multi-edged tool head.

All of the aforementioned devices do not use the planar surface of thelarge blade for another food or drink related function. The presentinvention introduces additional food and/or drink related functions intothe single rigid material of the planar surface of the blade portionsuch as cheese grating, vegetable grating, slicing, food sieving, garlicpressing, bottle opening, and various other uses. The cutting device canalso have a cavity in the planar surface of the large blade where aremovable kitchen tool of various functions can be inserted and thentaken back out.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of this cutting device have the additional benefit ofincreased functionality. The cutting device has additional uses for foodpreparation reducing the need for other kitchen tools as well asfunctioning as a convenient multi-use kitchen tool to take on the go.The planar surface of the blade is used as a base in which to integrateother kitchen tools such as a grater, zester, slicer, opener, press,etc., or to have a cavity in the blade surface where a removable kitchentool can be inserted and then taken back out.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specifications andare to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like referencenumerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:

FIG. 1A. Is an isometric view of a first embodiment example of a foodcutter with a grater integrated into the planar surface of the blade.

FIG. 1B. Is a side view of a first embodiment example of a food cutterwith a grater integrated into the planar surface of the blade.

FIG. 1C. Is a front view of a first embodiment example of a food cutterwith a grater integrated into the planar surface of the blade.

FIG. 1D. Is a bottom view of a first embodiment example of a food cutterwith a grater integrated into the planar surface of the blade.

FIG. 2 Is an isometric view of another embodiment of a dough scrapertype cutter with a small grater, a large grater, and a food slicerintegrated into the planar surface of the blade and with a verticalelement orientation.

FIG. 3A. Is an isometric view of a first embodiment example of a foodcutter with a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which toinsert removable elements.

FIG. 3B. Is a side view of a first embodiment example of a food cutterwith a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A slicer is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment.

FIG. 3C. Is a front view of a first embodiment example of a food cutterwith a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A slicer is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment.

FIG. 3D. Is a bottom view of a first embodiment example of a food cutterwith a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A slicer is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment.

FIG. 3E. Is a side view of a first embodiment example of a food cutterwith a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A coarse grater is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment.

FIG. 3F. Is a front view of a first embodiment example of a food cutterwith a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A coarse grater is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment.

FIG. 3G. Is a bottom view of a first embodiment example of a food cutterwith a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A coarse grater is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment.

FIG. 3H. Is a side view of a first embodiment example of a food cutterwith a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A fine grater is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment.

FIG. 3I. Is a front view of a first embodiment example of a food cutterwith a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A fine grater is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment.

FIG. 3J. Is a bottom view of a first embodiment example of a food cutterwith a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A fine grater is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment.

FIG. 4. Is an isometric view of a second embodiment example of a foodcutter with a grater integrated into the planar surface of the blade.

FIG. 5. Is an isometric view of a second embodiment example of a foodcutter with a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which toinsert removable elements.

FIG. 6. Is an isometric view of a third embodiment example of a foodcutter with a small grater, a large grater, and a food slicer integratedinto the planar surface of the blade.

FIG. 7. Is an isometric view of a food cutter with a bottle openerintegrated into the planar surface of the blade.

FIG. 8A. Is an isometric view of a fourth embodiment example of a foodcutter with a grater integrated into the planar surface of the blade.The food cutter has an integral handle and blade which extends down oneof the handle sides.

FIG. 8B. Is a side view of a fourth embodiment example of a food cutterwith a grater integrated into the planar surface of the blade. The foodcutter has an integral handle and blade which extends down one of thehandle sides.

FIG. 8C. Is a front view of a fourth embodiment example of a food cutterwith a grater integrated into the planar surface of the blade. The foodcutter has an integral handle and blade which extends down one of thehandle sides.

FIG. 8D. Is a bottom view of a fourth embodiment example of a foodcutter with a grater integrated into the planar surface of the blade.The food cutter has an integral handle and blade which extends down oneof the handle sides.

FIG. 8E. Is an isometric view of a fifth embodiment example of a foodcutter with a grater integrated into the planar surface of the blade.The food cutter has an integral handle and blade which extends down oneof the handle sides. In this embodiment the integral grater is on theopposite side of the integral handle overhang.

FIG. 8F. Is a side view of a fifth embodiment example of a food cutterwith a grater integrated into the planar surface of the blade. The foodcutter has an integral handle and blade which extends down one of thehandle sides. In this embodiment the integral grater is on the oppositeside of the integral handle overhang.

FIG. 8G. Is a front view of a fifth embodiment example of a food cutterwith a grater integrated into the planar surface of the blade. The foodcutter has an integral handle and blade which extends down one of thehandle sides. In this embodiment the integral grater is on the oppositeside of the integral handle overhang.

FIG. 8H. Is a bottom view of a fifth embodiment example of a food cutterwith a grater integrated into the planar surface of the blade. The foodcutter has an integral handle and blade which extends down one of thehandle sides. In this embodiment the integral grater is on the oppositeside of the integral handle overhang.

FIG. 9A. Is an isometric view of a food cutter embodiment where thehandle side of the knife is fixedly attached to the blade and not formedintegrally out of the same material.

FIG. 9B. Is a side view of a food cutter embodiment where the handleside of the knife is fixedly attached to the blade and not formedintegrally out of the same material.

FIG. 9C. Is a front view of a food cutter embodiment where the handleside of the knife is fixedly attached to the blade and not formedintegrally out of the same material.

FIG. 9D. Is a bottom view of a food cutter embodiment where the handleside of the knife is fixedly attached to the blade and not formedintegrally out of the same material.

FIG. 9E. Is an isometric view of a food cutter with a grater integratedinto the planar surface of the blade. The handle side of the knife isfixedly attached to the blade and not formed integrally out of the samematerial in this embodiment.

FIG. 9F. Is a side view of a food cutter with a grater integrated intothe planar surface of the blade. The handle side of the knife is fixedlyattached to the blade and not formed integrally out of the same materialin this embodiment.

FIG. 9G. Is a front view of a food cutter with a grater integrated intothe planar surface of the blade. The handle side of the knife is fixedlyattached to the blade and not formed integrally out of the same materialin this embodiment.

FIG. 9H. Is a bottom view of a food cutter with a grater integrated intothe planar surface of the blade. The handle side of the knife is fixedlyattached to the blade and not formed integrally out of the same materialin this embodiment.

FIG. 9I. Is an isometric view of a food cutter with a cavity in theplanar surface of the blade in which to insert removable elements. Thehandle side of the knife is fixedly attached to the blade and not formedintegrally out of the same material in this embodiment.

FIG. 9J. Is a side view of a food cutter with a cavity in the planarsurface of the blade in which to insert removable elements. The handleside of the knife is fixedly attached to the blade and not formedintegrally out of the same material in this embodiment. A slicer isinserted into the cavity in this embodiment.

FIG. 9K. Is a front view of a food cutter with a cavity in the planarsurface of the blade in which to insert removable elements. The handleside of the knife is fixedly attached to the blade and not formedintegrally out of the same material in this embodiment. A slicer isinserted into the cavity in this embodiment.

FIG. 9L. Is a bottom view of a food cutter with a cavity in the planarsurface of the blade in which to insert removable elements. The handleside of the knife is fixedly attached to the blade and not formedintegrally out of the same material in this embodiment. A slicer isinserted into the cavity in this embodiment.

FIG. 9M. Is a side view of a food cutter with a cavity in the planarsurface of the blade in which to insert removable elements. The handleside of the knife is fixedly attached to the blade and not formedintegrally out of the same material in this embodiment. A coarse grateris inserted into the cavity in this embodiment.

FIG. 9N. Is a front view of a food cutter with a cavity in the planarsurface of the blade in which to insert removable elements. The handleside of the knife is fixedly attached to the blade and not formedintegrally out of the same material in this embodiment. A coarse grateris inserted into the cavity in this embodiment.

FIG. 9O. Is a bottom view of a food cutter with a cavity in the planarsurface of the blade in which to insert removable elements. The handleside of the knife is fixedly attached to the blade and not formedintegrally out of the same material in this embodiment. A coarse grateris inserted into the cavity in this embodiment.

FIG. 9P. Is a side view of a food cutter with a cavity in the planarsurface of the blade in which to insert removable elements. The handleside of the knife is fixedly attached to the blade and not formedintegrally out of the same material in this embodiment. A fine grater isinserted into the cavity in this embodiment.

FIG. 9Q. Is a front view of a food cutter with a cavity in the planarsurface of the blade in which to insert removable elements. The handleside of the knife is fixedly attached to the blade and not formedintegrally out of the same material in this embodiment. A fine grater isinserted into the cavity in this embodiment.

FIG. 9R. Is a bottom view of a food cutter with a cavity in the planarsurface of the blade in which to insert removable elements. The handleside of the knife is fixedly attached to the blade and not formedintegrally out of the same material in this embodiment. A fine grater isinserted into the cavity in this embodiment.

FIG. 10. Is an isometric view of a food cutter with blade cover.

FIG. 11. Is an isometric view of another embodiment of a food cutterwith a small grater, a large grater, and a food slicer integrated intothe planar surface of the blade and with a vertical element orientation.

FIG. 12. Is an isometric view of a food cutter with a Granton cuttingedge.

FIG. 13. Is an isometric view of a food cutter with a serrated cuttingedge.

FIG. 14. Is an isometric view of a food cutter with a square shapedhandle.

FIG. 15. Is an isometric view of a food cutter with a triangular shapedhandle.

FIG. 16A. Is a side perspective view of two food cutters where thecutting side of each blade is stored in the handle side of the otherfood cutter.

FIG. 16B. Is an isometric view of two food cutters where the cuttingside of each blade is stored in the handle side of the other foodcutter. There is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which toinsert removable elements.

FIG. 17. Is an end angle isometric view of two food cutters where thecutting side of each blade is stored in the handle side of the otherfood cutter. There are integral kitchen tool elements in the planarsurface of the cutter blade.

FIG. 18. Is an isometric view of a food cutter with an integral handleand blade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere are various integral kitchen tool elements in the planar surfaceof the blade.

FIG. 19A. Is an isometric view of a food cutter with an integral handleand blade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements.

FIG. 19B. Is a side view of a food cutter with an integral handle andblade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A slicer is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment.

FIG. 19C. Is a front view of a food cutter with an integral handle andblade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A slicer is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment.

FIG. 19D. Is a bottom view of a food cutter with an integral handle andblade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A slicer is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment.

FIG. 19E. Is a side view of a food cutter with an integral handle andblade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A coarse grater is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment.

FIG. 19F. Is a front view of a food cutter with an integral handle andblade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A coarse grater is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment.

FIG. 19G. Is a bottom view of a food cutter with an integral handle andblade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A coarse grater is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment.

FIG. 19H. Is a side view of a food cutter with an integral handle andblade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A fine grater is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment.

FIG. 19I. Is a front view of a food cutter with an integral handle andblade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A fine grater is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment.

FIG. 19J. Is a bottom view of a food cutter with an integral handle andblade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A fine grater is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment.

FIG. 19K. Is an isometric view of another embodiment of a food cutterwith an integral handle and blade which extends down one of the handlesides. In this embodiment there is a cavity in the planar surface of theblade in which to insert removable elements. In this embodiment theremovable elements are inserted into the cavity on the opposite side ofthe integral handle overhang.

FIG. 19L. Is a side view of a food cutter with an integral handle andblade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A slicer is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment. In this embodiment the removable elements are inserted intothe cavity on the opposite side of the integral handle overhang.

FIG. 19M. Is a front view of a food cutter with an integral handle andblade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A slicer is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment. In this embodiment the removable elements are inserted intothe cavity on the opposite side of the integral handle overhang.

FIG. 19N. Is a bottom view of a food cutter with an integral handle andblade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A slicer is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment. In this embodiment the removable elements are inserted intothe cavity on the opposite side of the integral handle overhang.

FIG. 19O. Is a side view of a food cutter with an integral handle andblade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A coarse grater is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment. In this embodiment the removable elements are inserted intothe cavity on the opposite side of the integral handle overhang.

FIG. 19P. Is a front view of a food cutter with an integral handle andblade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A coarse grater is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment. In this embodiment the removable elements are inserted intothe cavity on the opposite side of the integral handle overhang.

FIG. 19Q. Is a bottom view of a food cutter with an integral handle andblade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A coarse grater is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment. In this embodiment the removable elements are inserted intothe cavity on the opposite side of the integral handle overhang.

FIG. 19R. Is a side view of a food cutter with an integral handle andblade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A fine grater is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment. In this embodiment the removable elements are inserted intothe cavity on the opposite side of the integral handle overhang.

FIG. 19S. Is a front view of a food cutter with an integral handle andblade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A fine grater is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment. In this embodiment the removable elements are inserted intothe cavity on the opposite side of the integral handle overhang.

FIG. 19T. Is a bottom view of a food cutter with an integral handle andblade which extends down one of the handle sides. In this embodimentthere is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade in which to insertremovable elements. A fine grater is inserted into the cavity in thisembodiment. In this embodiment the removable elements are inserted intothe cavity on the opposite side of the integral handle overhang.

FIG. 20. Is an isometric view of a first embodiment example of a doughscraper type cutter with a small grater, a large grater, and a foodslicer integrated into the planar surface of the blade. The blade has anangled cutting edge.

FIG. 21. Is an isometric view of a second embodiment example of a doughscraper type cutter with a small grater, a large grater, and a foodslicer integrated into the planar surface of the blade. The blade has astraight cutting edge.

FIG. 22. Is an isometric view of a dough scraper type cutter with aGranton cutting edge.

FIG. 23. Is an isometric view of a dough scraper type cutter with aserrated cutting edge.

FIG. 24. Is an isometric view of a dough scraper type cutter with bladecover.

FIG. 25. Is an isometric view of a dough scraper type cutter with aremovable food slicer and an opening in the planar surface of the bladewhich serves as a bottle opener.

FIG. 26. Is an isometric view of a dough scraper type cutter withseveral interchangeable removable elements configured to be insertableinto a cavity on the planar surface of the blade.

FIG. 27. Is a rear perspective view of a dough scraper type cuttershowing the integral bottle opener and cavity in the planar surface ofthe blade. The removable elements can be inserted into the cavity on theplanar surface of the blade.

FIG. 28A. Is a front view of a dough scraper type cutter showing theintegral bottle opener and cavity in the planar surface of the blade.

FIG. 28B. Is a detailed view of the integrated bottle opener of FIG.28A.

FIG. 29A. Is a front view of a dough scraper type cutter showing thecavity in the planar surface of the blade and a bottle opener located onthe side of the blade.

FIG. 29B. Is a detailed view of the side bottle opener of FIG. 29A.

FIG. 30. Is a rear perspective view of a dough scraper type cuttershowing the integral bottle opener and cavity in the planar surface ofthe blade. The removable elements can be inserted into the cavity of theplanar surface of the blade. The blade has a straight cutting edge.

FIG. 31A. Is an isometric view of a dough scraper type cutter with asquare shaped handle.

FIG. 31B. Is an isometric view of a dough scraper type cutter with atriangular shaped handle.

FIG. 32. Is an isometric view of another embodiment example of a foodcutter with a small grater, a large grater, and a food slicer integratedinto the planar surface of the blade.

FIG. 33A. Is a side perspective view of two food cutters where thecutting side of each blade is stored in the handle side of the otherfood cutter.

FIG. 33B. Is an isometric view of two food cutters where the cuttingside of each blade is stored in the handle side of the other foodcutter.

FIG. 34A. Is a side perspective view of two dough scraper type cutterswhere the cutting side of each blade is stored in the handle side of theother dough scraper type cutter.

FIG 34B Is an isometric view of two dough scraper type cutters where thecutting side of each blade is stored in the handle side of the otherdough scraper type cutter. There is a cavity in the planar surface ofthe blade in which to insert removable elements.

FIG. 35. Is an isometric view of a dough scraper type cutter in whichthe handle side of the knife is fixedly attached to the blade and notformed integrally out of the same material.

FIG. 36. Is an isometric view of a dough scraper type cutter with anintegral handle and blade which extends down one of the handle sides. Inthis embodiment there are integral kitchen tool elements in the planarsurface of the blade and the blade has an angled cutting edge.

FIG. 37. Is an isometric view of a dough scraper type cutter with anintegral handle and blade which extends down one of the handle sides. Inthis embodiment there are integral kitchen tool elements in the planarsurface of the blade and the blade has a straight cutting edge.

FIG. 38. Is an isometric view of a dough scraper type cutter with anintegral handle and blade which extends down one of the handle sides. Inthis embodiment there is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade inwhich to insert removable elements and the blade has an angled cuttingedge.

FIG. 39. Is an isometric view of a dough scraper type cutter with anintegral handle and blade which extends down one of the handle sides. Inthis embodiment there is a cavity in the planar surface of the blade inwhich to insert removable elements and the blade has a straight cuttingedge.

FIG. 40A. Is a side perspective view of two dough scraper type cutterswhere the cutting side of each blade is stored in the handle side of theother dough scraper type cutter.

FIG. 40B. Is an isometric view of two dough scraper type cutters wherethe cutting side of each blade is stored in the handle side of the otherdough scraper type cutter.

FIG. 41. Is an end angle isometric view of two dough scraper typecutters where the cutting side of each blade is stored in the handleside of the other dough scraper type cutter. There are integral kitchentool elements in the planar surface of the cutter blade.

DEFINITIONS

In this specification, the term “food cutter” refers to a cutting devicewith a large blade surface and a handle and/or grips located at the topof said blade surface that is generally used to cut pizza, baked goods,meat, etc. The large blade surface can also be used to scrape and scoopfood from a cutting surface into another receptacle. Although thedimensions of the food cutter can vary, the food cutter should be ofsufficient size to cut conventionally sized pizzas, which would be inthe range of 6 to 24 inches in length from side to side. The width wouldbe in the range of 2 to 10 inches from the top of the handle to thebottom of the blade.

In this specification, the term “dough scraper type cutter” refers to acutting device with a large blade surface and a handle and/or gripslocated at the top of said blade surface that is generally used toprocess dough, cut baked goods, or meat. The large blade surface canalso be used to scrape and scoop food from a cutting surface intoanother receptacle. The cutting edge can be angled or straight, and canbe sharp or blunt. The sizing of this device will be similar to otherdough scrapers currently in the marketplace. Ranging in 3 to 14 inchesin total length from side to side, and 2 to 10 inches in width from thetop of the handle to the bottom of the blade.

In this specification, the term “blade” refers to a generally planarcutting element.

In this specification, the terms “cutting side” or “cutting edge” refersto a bottom edge along a blade; and the terms “handle side”, “handleedge”, or “handle portion” refer to the top edge of a blade whichtypically has an enlarged cross section and/or grips.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings in more detail, FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D isan embodiment of a food cutter with an integral grater 102. Thisembodiment is formed as a single stainless steel piece in thisembodiment, but in other embodiments the apparatus is comprised of foodgrade material in a group consisting of food grade metal, plastic,silicone, rubber, carbon fiber, ceramic, wood, or a combination thereof.In this embodiment the grater 102 is stamped into the metal. In otherembodiments the grater is attached by welding, or other means ofconnection such as rivets, screws, glue, and various other connectionmethods or combinations thereof. The integrated grater can be locatedanywhere on the planar surface of the blade 12 such as to the side asreferenced in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 references a food cutter with differentsized graters and slicers integrated into the planar surface of theblade 12. In FIG. 32, element 101 demonstrates a small opening foodgrater, element 102 demonstrates a large opening food grater and element103 demonstrates a food slicer. These elements can be located anywhereon the planar surface of the blade 12. These elements can also be indifferent combinations, configurations, orientations, and sizes. FIG. 11demonstrates a food cutter with the integral elements in a verticalorientation. In other embodiments only one of these elements areintegrated into the planar surface of the blade 12. A food cutter mayalso integrate a bottle opener 280 or other kitchen tools into theplanar surface of the blade as referenced in FIG. 7. In otherembodiments the handle side 14 of the food cutter is fixedly attached tothe blade and not formed integrally out of the same material asreferenced in FIG. 9A through FIG. 9H. The handle side 14 can be solidor hollow in other embodiments. Referring back to FIG. 1A through FIG.1D, the cutting side 16 of the blade has a sharpened edge in thisembodiment and extends along substantially the entirety of the bottomportion of the blade 12. In this embodiment, the cutting side 16 of theblade has a convex edge to provide a cut with a simple rocking motion ofthe knife. In other embodiments, the cutting side may be blunt for usessuch as in processing dough. The cutting edge can be straight but neednot be, and need not be parallel to the handle edge. In some examples,the cutting edge of the blade is curved so that the inside edge islonger than the outside edge, and the device may be rocked along thecutting edges of the blade. In other embodiments the blade furthercomprises a Granton edge as shown in FIG. 12 or a serrated edge as shownin FIG. 13. In other embodiments the food cutter has a cover 104 toconceal the cutting side 16 of the blade as referenced in FIG. 10. Thisblade cover 104 is comprised of food grade material in a groupconsisting of food grade metal, plastic, silicone, rubber, carbon fiber,ceramic, wood, or a combination thereof, and can be of various shapes &sizes.

In the embodiment referenced in FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D, there is ahandle side 14 opposite to the cutting side 16 and substantiallyparallel to the cutting side comprising a hollow channel fixedlyattached to the blade. In this embodiment, the handle side 14 of theblade is a cylindrical shaped tube. In other embodiments, the handleside of the blade comprises a polygon shaped cross section. In otherembodiments, the handle side is square as referenced in FIG. 14, or atriangular shape as referenced in FIG. 15. The handle side can be ofvarious shapes & sizes. As referenced in FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D, thehandle side 14 is formed so the blade extends down from the middle ofthe handle side in this embodiment. In other embodiments the handleportion 14 is formed so the blade 12 extends down one of the sides ofthe handle as referenced in FIG. 8A through FIG. 8H. FIG. 8A throughFIG. 8D shows the integral grater located on the same side of the handleportion overhang, while FIG. 8E through FIG. 8H shows the integralgrater located on the opposite side of the handle portion overhang. Theembodiments referenced in FIG. 8A through FIG. 8H can have variouskitchen tool elements integral to the blade surface as referenced inFIG. 18.

FIG. 3A through FIG. 3J represent a food cutter embodiment with severalinterchangeable removable elements configured to be insertable into acavity on the food cutter blade 12. The cavity 210 on the food cuttercan be located anywhere on the planar surface of the blade 12 such as tothe side as referenced in FIG. 5. The cavity 210 can also have roundedcorners as shown for example in FIG. 27. The cavity can be differentshapes & sizes in other embodiments such as a square, rectangle, circle,or oval. The orientation of these shapes can be vertical or horizontalon the planar surface of the blade. Example removable elements include afood slicer 220, a large opening grater 230, and a small opening grater240. In this embodiment, each of the removable elements has a peripheralridge that snaps into the cavity 210. The back side of the peripheralridge fits through the cavity, while the front side of the peripheralridge has a larger overhang or frame that will not fit through thecavity, so the removable element will not pass through. In otherembodiments the removable elements can attach to the blade cavity byvarious other mating connections or configurations. Some possibleembodiments of other mating configurations include a gasket typeconnection where a shaped piece or ring made of flexible material suchas rubber inserts into the cavity and then enlarges when it is on theother side of the cavity, securing the removable element to the bladecavity. In this embodiment the removable element has an overhang orframe that will not fit through the cavity, so the removable elementwill not pass through. Another mating configuration embodiment includesthe removable elements having male snaps that are flexible and made froma material such as plastic or metal. The male snaps fit through theblade cavity and then snap back to secure the removable element once thesnaps are on the other side of the blade cavity. The removable elementhas an overhang or frame that will not fit through the cavity, so theremovable element will not pass through. The cavity 210 in the planarsurface of the blade 12 can accept a variety of removable elements.Example removable elements are various types of cheese or vegetablegraters, food slicers, mandolin type slicers, food sieves, garlicpresses, a blank plate, or various other kitchen tools. The orientationof these removable elements can be horizontal or vertical on the planarsurface of the blade. A bottle opener may also be provided on aremovable element or be integral to the blade 12. As referenced in FIG.3A through FIG. 3J, the handle side 14 is formed so the blade extendsdown from the middle of the handle side in this embodiment. In otherembodiments the handle portion 14 is formed so the blade 12 extends downone of the sides of the handle as referenced in FIG. 19A through FIG.19T. FIG. 19A through FIG. 19J shows the removable element useabledirection located on the same side of the handle portion overhang, whileFIG. 19K through FIG. 19T shows the removable element useable directionlocated on the opposite side of the handle portion overhang. Theremovable elements can also be in different combinations,configurations, orientations, and sizes. The handle side 14 of theembodiments referenced in FIG. 3A through FIG. 3J, FIG. 9I through 9R, &FIG. 19A through FIG. 19T can be circular, square, rectangular,triangular, or various other shapes & sizes.

In another embodiment the food cutter can be configured so the cuttingside of the blade is safely stored in the handle side of another foodcutter as referenced in FIG. 33A & FIG. 33B. The handle side 14 of thesecutters comprises a hollow channel and further comprises a slot sized toallow insertion of the cutting side 16 of the other cutter. The handleside 14 of these cutters can be formed integrally out of the samematerial, or fixedly attached and not formed integrally out of the samematerial. The embodiment referenced in FIG. 17 represents two foodcutters stored with the cutting side of each cutter in the handle sideof the other cutter. The embodiment referenced in FIG. 17 also hasvarious kitchen tool elements integral to the blade surface. Theseelements can be located anywhere on the planar surface of the blade 12.These elements can also be in different combinations, configurations,orientations, and sizes. The cutting edge 16 of the blades can be angledor straight. In another embodiment referenced in FIG. 16B the foodcutter has a cavity 210 in the blade 12 in which several interchangeableremovable elements are configured to be inserted into said cavity 210.This cavity can be located anywhere on the planar surface of the blade12. These removable elements can also be in different combinations,configurations, orientations, and sizes. The cutting edge 16 of theblade 12 can be angled or straight. The handle side 14 of theembodiments referenced in FIG. 33A, FIG. 33B, FIG. 17, & FIGS. 16A & Bcan be circular, square, rectangular, triangular, or various othershapes & sizes. In other embodiments the handle portion 14 is formed sothe blade extends down one of the sides of the handle.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a dough scraper type cutter withdifferent sized graters and slicers integrated into the planar surfaceof the blade 12. In FIG. 20, element 101 demonstrates a small openingfood grater, element 102 demonstrates a large opening food grater, andelement 103 demonstrates a food slicer. These elements can be locatedanywhere on the planar surface of the blade 12. These elements can alsobe in different combinations, configurations, orientations, and sizes,or only have one of these elements integrated into the planar surface ofthe blade 12. FIG. 2 demonstrates a dough scraper type cutter with theintegral elements in a vertical orientation. In this embodiment thegraters & slicer are stamped into the metal. In other embodiments theelements are attached by welding, or other means of connection such asrivets, screws, glue, and various other connection methods orcombinations thereof. In this embodiment the blade 12 of the doughscraper type cutter is stainless steel, but in other embodiments theblade is comprised of food grade material in a group consisting of foodgrade metal, plastic, silicone, rubber, carbon fiber, ceramic, wood, ora combination thereof. The cutting side 16 of the blade 12 has asharpened edge in this embodiment and extends along substantially theentirety of the bottom portion of the blade 12. In this embodiment, thecutting side 16 of the blade has an angled edge to provide a cut with asimple downward motion of the knife. In other embodiments, the cuttingside may be straight as referenced in FIG. 21 and blunt for uses such asin processing dough. In other embodiments the blade 12 further comprisesa Granton edge as referenced in FIG. 22 or a serrated edge as referencedin FIG. 23. In other embodiments the dough scraper type cutter has acover 105 to conceal the cutting side 16 of the blade as referenced inFIG. 24. This blade cover 105 is comprised of food grade material in agroup consisting of food grade metal, plastic, silicone, rubber, carbonfiber, ceramic, wood, or a combination thereof. FIG. 25 is an isometricview of a dough scraper type cutter 200 with a removable food slicer 220and an opening which serves as a bottle opener 280. FIG. 26 is anisometric view of a dough scraper type cutter with severalinterchangeable removable elements configured to be insertable into acavity on the planar surface of the blade 12. Example removable elementsinclude a food slicer 220, a large opening grater 230, and a smallopening grater 240. FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of the doughscraper type cutter 200 referenced in FIG. 25 showing the integralbottle opener 280, and cavity 210 which is used to insert removableelements. In this example, each of the removable elements has aperipheral ridge that snaps into the cavity 210. In other embodimentsthe removable elements can attach by various other mating connections orconfigurations. Some possible embodiments of other mating configurationsinclude a gasket type connection where a shaped piece or ring made offlexible material such as rubber inserts into the cavity and thenenlarges when it is on the other side of the cavity, securing theremovable element to the blade cavity. In this embodiment the removableelement has an overhang or frame that will not fit through the cavity,so the removable element will not pass through. Another matingconfiguration embodiment includes the removable elements having malesnaps that are flexible and made from a material such as plastic ormetal. The male snaps fit through the blade cavity and then snap back tosecure the removable element once the snaps are on the other side of theblade cavity. The removable element has an overhang or frame that willnot fit through the cavity, so the removable element will not passthrough. In this embodiment the cavity 210 in the planar surface of theblade can accept a variety of removable elements. Example removableelements are various types of cheese or vegetable graters, food slicers,mandolin type slicers, food sieves, garlic presses, a blank plate, orvarious other kitchen tools. A bottle opener may also be provided on aremovable element rather than being integral to the blade. FIG. 28A is afront view of the dough scraper type cutter 200 of FIG. 25. FIG. 28B isa detailed view of the bottle opener 280. FIG. 29A is a front view of adough scraper type cutter 201 with a bottle opener 290 provided in theoutside edge of the blade. FIG. 29B is a detailed view of the bottleopener 290. In another embodiment referenced in FIG. 30 the doughscraper type cutter 200 has a straight cutting edge 16 and a cavity 210in the planar surface of the blade 12 that can accept a variety ofremovable elements. In other embodiments, the handle side 14 of thedough scraper type cutter is square as referenced in FIG. 31A, or atriangular shape as referenced in FIG. 31B. In other embodiments thehandle side 14 of the dough scraper type cutter is fixedly attached tothe blade and not formed integrally out of the same material asreferenced in FIG. 35. The handle side 14 in these embodiments can besolid or hollow and of various shapes & sizes.

In other embodiments the handle portion 14 is formed so the blade 12extends down one of the sides of the handle 14 as referenced in FIG. 36.The embodiment referenced in FIG. 36 has various elements integral tothe blade surface. In FIG. 36, element 101 demonstrates a small openingfood grater, element 102 demonstrates a large opening food grater,element 103 demonstrates a food slicer, and element 280 demonstrates abottle opener. These elements can be located anywhere on the planarsurface of the blade 12. These elements can also be in differentcombinations, configurations, orientations, and sizes. The cutting edge16 can be angled as referenced in FIG. 36 or straight as referenced inFIG. 37. In another embodiment referenced in FIG. 38 the dough scrapertype cutter has a cavity 210 in which several interchangeable removableelements are configured to be inserted into said cavity 210. This cavity210 can be located anywhere on the planar surface of the blade 12. Theseremovable elements can also be in different combinations,configurations, orientations, and sizes. The cutting edge 16 can beangled as referenced in FIG. 38 or straight as referenced in FIG. 39.The handle side of the embodiments referenced in FIG. 36, FIG. 37, FIG.38, & FIG. 39 can be circular, square, rectangular, triangular, orvarious other shapes & sizes.

In another embodiment the dough scraper type cutter can be configured sothe cutting side 16 of the blade is safely stored in the handle side 14of another dough scraper type cutter as referenced in FIG. 40A & FIG.40B. The handle side 14 of these cutters comprises a hollow channel andfurther comprises a slot sized to allow insertion of the cutting side 16of the other cutter. The handle side 14 of these cutters can be formedintegrally out of the same material, or fixedly attached and not formedintegrally out of the same material. The embodiment referenced in FIG.41 represents two dough scraper type cutters stored with the cuttingside of each cutter in the handle side of the other cutter. Theembodiment referenced in FIG. 41 also has various kitchen tool elementsintegral to the blade surface. These elements can be located anywhere onthe planar surface of the blade. These elements can also be in differentcombinations, configurations, orientations, and sizes. The cutting edgecan be angled or straight. In another embodiment referenced in FIG. 34Bthe dough scraper type cutter has a cavity 210 in which severalinterchangeable removable elements are configured to be inserted intosaid cavity 210. These elements can be located anywhere on the planarsurface of the blade 12. These elements can also be in differentcombinations, configurations, orientations, and sizes. The cutting edge16 can be angled or straight. The handle side of the embodimentsreferenced in FIG. 40A, FIG. 40B, FIG. 41, FIG. 34A, & FIG. 34B can becircular, square, rectangular, triangular, or various other shapes &sizes. In other embodiments the handle portion is formed so the bladeextends down one of the sides of the handle.

It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features andsub-combinations. Since many possible embodiments may be made of theinvention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to beunderstood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanyingdrawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A food cutter apparatus having a blade portionand a handle portion, both portions made of rigid material, the foodcutter apparatus comprising: a blade portion made of a single rigidmaterial and comprising: a substantially planar front side, a top edge,a bottom cutting edge of the blade, a left side edge, a right side edge,and a substantially planar back side opposite of the front side, theplanar front side and back side of the blade portion defining a bladethickness, the blade portion comprising a cavity configured forinsertion of a horizontally-oriented removable kitchen tool element; afirst horizontally-oriented removable kitchen tool element comprising afirst horizontally-oriented grater configured to be inserted into theblade portion cavity; a second removable kitchen tool element comprisinga second horizontally-oriented grater configured to be inserted into theblade portion cavity and having different size features from the firsthorizontally-oriented grater; a third removable kitchen tool elementselected from the group comprising a zester and a slicer, and configuredto be inserted into the blade portion cavity; and a handle portionextending horizontally along all or substantially all of the top edge ofthe blade portion the top edge of the blade portion, the handle portionof the food cutter apparatus comprising: a grip portion with a thicknessgreater than the blade portion thickness.
 2. The food cutter apparatusof claim 1 wherein the bottom cutting edge of the blade portion islinear.
 3. The food cutter apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bottomcutting edge of the blade portion is convex.
 4. The food cutterapparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle portion is comprised of aseparate rigid material than the blade portion.
 5. The food cutterapparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle portion is formed integrallyfrom the same rigid material as the blade portion.
 6. The food cutterapparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle portion functions as a guide forfood products while utilizing the first removable kitchen tool element.7. The food cutter apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle portionfunctions as a protruding shield for the first removable kitchen toolelement while in storage.
 8. The food cutter apparatus of claim 1wherein a blade cover is provided for the bottom cutting edge of theblade portion.
 9. The food cutter apparatus of claim 1 wherein theremovable kitchen tool element attaches to the blade portion cavity viaa mating connection.